5But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. 

When you obey the Word of God, when you allow Jesus’ teachings here on earth to become part of your being, your way of life changes. Love then becomes visible in everything we do and say. 

God’s love for sinful humanity moved Him to the greatest plan of love ever. God’s love for us moved Him to make what must be the greatest sacrifice of all times. He had to sacrifice His Son and let Him die on the cross. 

This is the greatest example of love ever. 

When we obey the commands of God, when we allow it to change and renew our inner being, love becomes a reality in our lives. Then others experience God’s love through our actions. 

Can you see that love and obedience are two sides of the same coin? Love follows obedience and obedience follows love. On their own love and obedience can never be perfect. One completes the other. 

Love and obedience cannot fully develop without the other. If love is not visible in a person’s life, one immediately questions their obedience. 

So, when I look at my own life and I see that my foot has slipped again and I have not lived love, I know that somehow, I was not obedient to do as God says. Chances are very high that I haven’t walked in His Word for a long time. 

In keeping His Word, we grow closer to Jesus. Then we are connected to Jesus, and we are true friends with Him. Then we share the same Spirit, and we walk in the light enabling us to perform deeds of the light. 

Yet, life often takes unexpected turns, disrupting our carefully laid plans. Disobedience enters by the front door and love leaves by the back door.  

We all make mistakes. But self-blame won’t solve anything. When we invited Jesus into our lives, our sinful nature didn’t just disappear. I think we should all wear a sign saying: Work in progress. 

However, we shouldn’t use this as an excuse to mess up and get upset now and then. No, let’s practice instead to make sure we remain obedient and do what God wants. Then love will become more and more visible in our actions. 

Others will then experience Jesus’ love through our hands and feet, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, they will also want to follow Him in obedience. 

Scripture
1 John 2:3-9 

Reflection
Where do you struggle to be obedient?
Where does your love fail?
What should you do to make both a greater reality in your life? 

Prayer
Father, I know I still struggle a lot with hits and do not live Jesus’ love everywhere. Help me to always be obedient. Amen.